Gate for fence enclosures

ABSTRACT

A gate for fence enclosures is disclosed. The gate has a frame and a mesh tensioned within the frame. Attached on one side of the frame is a plurality of hinges and the hinges are attached to a support member comprising three gate posts arranged in a roughly triangular format. Attached to the other side of the gate is a latch that mates with a receptor mounted on a second support member that also comprises three gate posts arranged in roughly a triangular format. The latch is released by pulling upwardly on a latch handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of fence gates and more particularly to gates used with tensioned fences.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There are many uses for fences; in particular, many communities require safety barriers around swimming pools to help prevent the drowning of small children. These fences may be of various heights depending upon the local requirements and need some sort of gate to provide access for swimmers. The gate is commonly the biggest problem with the fence system, in that it has moving parts and receives the most wear and tear. Often, due to the weight of the gate or forces exerted by users, the gate frame bends or skews or the gate posts shift or bend, causing the gate to misalign within its opening. The misalignment may prevent the gate from properly closing or opening. Furthermore, forces applied to the gate and gate posts often exert pressure on the foundation in which the gate posts are installed causing cracking of the concrete or pavers foundation.

Additionally, classic round gate posts increase the possibility of the posts rotating, thereby shifting the alignment of the gate with the gate posts and possibly preventing the gate from opening or closing.

What is needed is a gate that is reliable and safe under most normal operating conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a gate system for fence enclosures is disclosed including a frame with a pair of vertical frame members and a pair of horizontal frame members. The horizontal frame members extend between and are affixed to the top and bottom end of the vertical frame members. A mesh screen is tensioned between the vertical frame members and tensioned between the horizontal frame members. Also included is a first support member comprising a first set of three gate posts configured substantially parallel and in a triangular pattern connected to each other by a plurality of braces and a second support member comprising a second set of three gate posts configured substantially parallel and in a triangular pattern also connected to each other by a plurality of braces. The gate is connected to the first support member by a plurality of hinges affixed to a first vertical frame member of the pair of vertical frame members and also affixed to the first support member allowing the gate to swing open and shut. The gate is held closed by a latching device that has a gate-mounted component affixed to a second vertical frame member of the pair of vertical frame members and a gate post mounted component affixed to the second support member.

In another embodiment, a gate system for fence enclosures is disclosed having a frame with a left vertical frame member, a right vertical frame member, a top horizontal frame member and a bottom horizontal frame member, the left end of the top horizontal frame member is to the top end of the left horizontal frame member, the right end of the top horizontal frame member is affixed to the top end of the right horizontal frame member, the left end of the bottom horizontal frame member is affixed to the bottom end of the left horizontal frame member and the right end of the bottom horizontal frame member is affixed to the bottom end of the right horizontal frame member. The frame is roughly rectangular in shape. A mesh or screen is tensioned between the left vertical frame member and the right vertical frame member and is also tensioned between the top horizontal frame member and the bottom horizontal frame member. There is a first support member comprising a first set of three gate posts configured substantially in parallel and in a triangular pattern and connected to each other by a plurality of braces. There is a second support member comprising a second set of three gate posts configured substantially in parallel and in a triangular pattern and connected to each other by a plurality of braces. A plurality of hinges is affixed to the left vertical frame member and is affixed to the first support member allowing the gate to swing open and shut. A latching device is provided with a gate-mounted component affixed to the right vertical frame member and a gate post mounted component affixed to the second support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the present invention with the gate in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Referring to FIG. 1, a front view of the present invention is shown. The gate 110 comprises a left vertical frame member 130, a top horizontal frame member 120, a right vertical frame member 135 and a bottom horizontal frame member 125, forming a frame that substantially takes on the shape of a rectangle or a square, in which the horizontal frame members are affixed to the vertical frame members at roughly right angles to each other. It is preferred that the frame members be a sturdy, stiff material such as aluminum or plastic. The horizontal frame members are affixed to the vertical frame members by methods such as welding or using glue or screws. A length of mesh or screen 140 is tensioned between the two vertical frame members 130/135 and between the two horizontal frame members 120/125, thereby creating a substantially flat surface that will impede passage of individuals through the gate when the gate is closed.

In some embodiments, two angular support members 145/150 provide additional support and keep the gate in its approximate rectangular shape. The left angular support member 145 is affixed to the left vertical frame member 130 and to the bottom horizontal support member 125, while the right angular support member 150 is affixed to the right vertical frame member 135 and also to the bottom horizontal support member 125. The two angular support members 145/150 form a modified “V” shape such as a “V” with a flat bottom, whereas the two angular support members 145/150 don't touch each other and the point at which the two angular support members 140/150 are affixed to the bottom horizontal support member 125 separates them, preferably by a distance that is from 5% to 20% of the length of the bottom horizontal support member 125.

Supporting the gate is a support member composed of three gate posts 160 that are coupled to each other by several braces 175, roughly forming a triangle when viewed from the top. The gate posts 160 may be composed of a stiff, structural material such as aluminum, steel or plastic and have an end that extends into the ground. Although the length of gate posts 160 that extend into the ground is not limited, it is preferred that the gate posts 160 extend approximately four inches into the ground which may be concrete, brick or pavers. The three gate posts 160 are affixed to each other by a plurality of braces 175 that may be welded, glued, screwed or attached to the gate posts 160 in a way known in the industry. The gate is attached to one of the three gate posts 160 by two or more hinges 185. It is preferred that these hinges 185 be of the self-closing type, possibly using a spring or gravity to close the gate when the gate is released by a user. Three gate posts arranged in a triangular pattern provide additional support when a force exerted by, perhaps, a person or wind pushes against the gate or post, whereby the third gate post absorbs some of the force and thereby reduces the stress exerted on the concrete, brick or pavers, possibly preventing cracking or breakage.

At the other side of the gate 110 is another support member composed of a set of three gate posts 161. The gate posts 161 may be composed of a stiff, structural material such as aluminum, steel or plastic and have an end that extends into the ground (e.g., concrete, brick, pavers, etc.), supporting the gate 110. Although the length of gate posts 161 that extend into the ground is not limited, it is preferred that the gate posts 161 extend approximately four inches into the ground. The three gate posts 161 are affixed to each other by a plurality of braces 175 that may be welded, glued, screwed or attached to the gate posts 161 in a way known in the industry. Three gate posts arranged in a triangular pattern provide additional support when a force exerted by, perhaps, a person or wind pushes against the gate or post, whereby the third gate post absorbs some of the force and thereby reduces the stress exerted on the concrete, brick or pavers, possibly preventing cracking or breakage.

Attached to one of the gate posts 161 is a gate post latching device 180 that is configured to mate with a gate-mounted latching device 182 when the gate is closed, thereby holding the gate 110 in its closed position. The gate post latching device 180 may be affixed to one of the gate posts 161 by, for example, welding or screws. In some embodiments, the gate post latching device 180 is disengaged by pulling up on a handle 184, thereby lifting the gate post latching device 180 and releasing it from the gate-mounted latching device 182 The gate-mounted latching device may affixed to the right vertical gate frame member in a similar fashion. Although there is no restriction on the type of latching device used, it is preferred to use a magnetic latch. In a preferred embodiment, the self closing hinges 185 move the gate into a closed position when the gate is released by a user and the latch 180/182 holds it in that closed position until the user opens the gate by lifting the gate handle 184.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a top view of the present invention is shown. In this the top horizontal frame member 120 is visible. The top of one of the plurality of hinges 185 can be seen connecting the gate to one of the posts 160. Three posts 160 are shown positioned in a triangular form and connected to each other by a plurality of braces 175. The top of the gate-mounted latching device 182 is shown affixed to the right side of the gate and the gate post latching device 180 is shown affixed to one of a second set of three gate posts that is also part of a set of three gate posts 161 that are connected by a plurality of braces 175. Also shown is the top of the gate handle 184 which is used to release the latch in some embodiments.

In operation, the present invention may be integrated into a tensioned fencing system whereby a gate post that is distal from the gate in each set of three gate posts 160/161 may be connected to a fence post 170 of the tensioned fencing system 190, thereby joining the gate to the tensioned fence system 190.

Referring to FIG. 3, a front view of the present invention is shown. The gate 110 is in an open position. The gate handle 184 is shown in a released position, in that it has been pulled up to release the gate-post latching device 180, thereby releasing the gate-post latching device from the gate-mounted latching device 182. In some embodiments, the gate-post latching device 180 is a magnet that attracts magnetic material within the gate-mounted latching device 182, so that when pulled away from each other by pulling up on the gate handle 184, the gate 110 is released and allowed to be opened. In other embodiments, pulling up on the gate handle 184 disengages a mechanical latch. In some embodiments, the gate handle 184 returns to its closed position by gravity. In other embodiments, the gate handle 184 is spring-loaded.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in the same way for achieving the same result.

It is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. 

1. A gate system for fence enclosures comprising: a gate comprising: a frame having a pair of vertical frame members and a pair of horizontal frame members extending between and affixed to the top and bottom end of the pair of vertical frame members; and a mesh screen tensioned between the pair of vertical frame members and tensioned between the pair of horizontal frame members; a first support member comprising a first set of three gate posts configured substantially parallel and in a triangular pattern, the first set of three gate posts connected to each other by a plurality of braces; a second support member comprising a second set of three gate posts configured substantially parallel and in a triangular pattern, the second set of three gate posts connected to each other by a second plurality of braces; a plurality of hinges affixed to a first vertical frame member of the pair of vertical frame members and affixed to the first support member allowing the gate to swing open and shut; and a latching device having a gate-mounted component affixed to a second vertical frame member of the pair of vertical frame members and a gate post mounted component affixed to the second support member.
 2. The gate of claim 1, whereas the latching device is a magnetic latch.
 3. The gate of claim 1, whereas the pair of vertical frame members and the pair of horizontal frame members meet at roughly right angles.
 4. The gate of claim 1, further comprising a first angular support member and a second angular support member, the first angular support member having a first end affixed to the first vertical frame member and a second end affixed to a first one of the pair of horizontal frame members and the second angular support member having a first end affixed to the second vertical frame member and a second end affixed to the first one of the pair of horizontal frame members.
 5. The gate of claim 4, whereas the first and second angular support members are spaced from each other where they are affixed to the first one of the pair of horizontal members and the first and second angular support members form a modified-V shape.
 6. The gate of claim 5, whereas the first and second angular support members are spaced apart from each other by from 5% to 20% of the length of the first one of the pair of horizontal members to which they are affixed.
 7. A gate system for fence enclosures comprising: a frame having a left vertical frame member, a right vertical frame member, a top horizontal frame member and a bottom horizontal frame member, a left end of the top horizontal frame member affixed to a top end of the left horizontal frame member, a right end of the top horizontal frame member affixed to a top end of the right horizontal frame member, a left end of the bottom horizontal frame member affixed to a bottom end of the left horizontal frame member, a right end of the bottom horizontal frame member affixed to a bottom end of the right horizontal frame member; the frame being roughly rectangular in shape; a mesh tensioned between the left vertical frame member and the right vertical frame member and tensioned between the top horizontal frame member and the bottom horizontal frame member; a first support member comprising a first set of three gate posts configured substantially parallel and in a triangular pattern, the first set of three gate posts connected to each other by a first plurality of braces; a second support member comprising a second set of three gate posts configured substantially parallel and in a triangular pattern, the second set of three gate posts connected to each other by a second plurality of braces; a plurality of hinges affixed to the left vertical frame member and affixed to the first support member allowing the gate to swing open and shut; and a latching device having a gate-mounted component affixed to the right vertical frame member and a gate post mounted component affixed to the second support member.
 8. The gate of claim 7, whereas the latching device is a magnetic latch.
 9. The gate of claim 7, further comprising a first angular support member and a second angular support member, a first end of the first angular support member connected to the left vertical frame member, a second end of the first angular support member affixed to the bottom horizontal frame member, a first end of the second angular support member connected to the right vertical frame member, a second end of the second angular support member affixed to the bottom horizontal frame member.
 10. The gate of claim 9, whereas the first angular support member is distal from the second angular support member where the first angular support member and second angular support member are affixed to the bottom horizontal frame member, thereby forming a modified-V shape.
 11. The gate of claim 10, whereas the first angular support brace is spaced from the second angular support brace by from 5% to 20% of the length of the bottom horizontal frame member.
 12. A gate system for fence enclosures comprising: a frame having a left vertical frame member, a right vertical frame member, a top horizontal frame member and a bottom horizontal frame member, a left end of the top horizontal frame member affixed to a top end of the left horizontal frame member, a right end of the top horizontal frame member affixed to a top end of the right horizontal frame member, a left end of the bottom horizontal frame member affixed to a bottom end of the left horizontal frame member, a right end of the bottom horizontal frame member affixed to a bottom end of the right horizontal frame member; the frame being roughly rectangular in shape; a mesh tensioned between the left vertical frame member and the right vertical frame member and tensioned between the top horizontal frame member and the bottom horizontal frame member; a first support member comprising a first set of three gate posts configured substantially parallel and in a triangular pattern, the first set of three gate posts connected to each other by a first plurality of braces; a second support member comprising a second set of three gate posts configured substantially parallel and in a triangular pattern, the second set of three gate posts connected to each other by a second plurality of braces; a plurality of hinges affixed to the right vertical frame member and affixed to the first support member allowing the gate to swing open and shut; and a latching device having a gate-mounted component affixed to the left vertical frame member and a gate post mounted component affixed to the second support member.
 13. The gate of claim 12, whereas the latching device is a magnetic latch.
 14. The gate of claim 12, further comprising a first angular support member and a second angular support member, a first end of the first angular support member connected to the left vertical frame member, a second end of the first angular support member affixed to the bottom horizontal frame member, a first end of the second angular support member connected to the right vertical frame member, a second end of the second angular support member affixed to the bottom horizontal frame member.
 15. The gate of claim 14, whereas the first angular support member is distal from the second angular support member where the first angular support member and second angular support member are affixed to the bottom horizontal frame member, thereby forming a modified-V shape.
 16. The gate of claim 15, whereas the first angular support brace is spaced from the second angular support brace by from 5% to 20% of the length of the bottom horizontal frame member. 